The boy, who was not identified, was taken to Children's Hospital in Oakland, where he underwent surgery and was reported in critical but stable condition, according to hospital officials.

The incident took place in the early afternoon, when Sonoma County sheriff's deputies were called to 216 De Chene Ave., near Flowery Elementary School, according to Lt. Jan McKinley of the Sonoma County Sheriff's Department.

Several other children at the scene claimed at first that assailants shot at them, authorities said, but under further questioning they admitted that the shooting was the result of an accidental discharge.

Deputies searched the area and found several weapons hidden, including the gun apparently involved in the shooting. According to McKinley, it is unclear how the children obtained the weapons, but the investigation is continuing.